Apple Launches iPhone 16 Series in India, Starting at INR 79,900
- ByStartupStory | September 10, 2024
Tech giant Apple has unveiled its latest iPhone 16 range of smartphones at the highly anticipated “Glowtime” event in Cupertino. The launch introduced two models: the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, showcasing the company’s continued innovation in smartphone technology.
The iPhone 16 will be available in India at a starting price of INR 79,900, while the iPhone 16 Plus (512 GB) will retail for INR 1.2 Lakh. Both models will hit the shelves in India on September 20.
In addition to the iPhone lineup, Apple also launched its new Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods. The Apple Watch Series 10 is priced starting at INR 46,900, while AirPods 4 and AirPods 2 Pro will be available for INR 12,900 and INR 24,900, respectively.
Speaking at the event, Kaiann Drance, Apple’s Vice President of iPhone Product Marketing, highlighted the enhanced capabilities of the new models:
“With new ways to discover the world around you and capture memories using Camera Control; a 48MP Fusion camera that gives you two optical-quality cameras in one; a big boost in battery life; and powerful, efficient performance thanks to the A18 chip, this is the perfect time for customers to upgrade or make the switch to iPhone.”
The iPhone 16 is powered by Apple’s latest A18 chip and features a 6.1-inch screen. A standout feature of the new device is its 48 MP Fusion Camera, offering users enhanced photography and video capabilities. The device will come in five different colors and integrates several artificial intelligence (AI) features aimed at improving the user experience.
Apple’s commitment to artificial intelligence was further emphasized by the company’s earlier unveiling of its “Apple Intelligence” at the developer conference in June 2024. The GenAI-powered tool is capable of generating text, images, and other forms of content on demand.
What sets this launch apart is Apple’s accelerated shift towards India as a major manufacturing hub. For the first time, the new iPhone 16 models will be manufactured in India, a move that highlights the country’s growing significance in Apple’s global supply chain.
According to a report by The Economic Times, “Made-in-India” iPhone 16 units will be available worldwide within the first few days of the sales launch. This marks a significant improvement from previous years when there was a longer gap between production and availability in international markets.
The production of iPhone 16 in India is led by Foxconn, one of Apple’s original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Sources reported that production has already commenced, with the first batch of smartphones set for export “within the first few days of the start of sales.”
The decision to manufacture iPhones in India comes as Apple continues to diversify its production base outside of China amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions between the US and China. India’s attractive production-linked incentives (PLI) and other governmental support have also played a key role in Apple’s shift towards the country.
The Economic Survey 2023-24 revealed that India contributed around 14% of Apple’s global production in FY24, underscoring the nation’s growing role in the company’s global supply chain. In FY24 alone, Foxconn, Wistron (now owned by Tata Group), and Pegatron collectively produced iPhones worth INR 1.2 Lakh Cr, of which INR 85,000 Cr worth of devices were exported.
Apple’s shift towards India is expected to grow, with a report by JPMorgan projecting that 25% of iPhone production will be moved to India by 2025. The move is seen as part of Apple’s broader strategy to reduce its dependence on China and establish a diversified manufacturing base.
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